Semi Low Tech Success Updated 12-9-06

This is a discussion on Semi Low Tech Success Updated 12-9-06 within the Freshwater Journals forums, part of the Aquarium Photography category; -->
Originally Posted by Jaysn
I'm actually asking about the CO2, I'm thinking that I'm going to need to start adding it in some form ...

I'm actually asking about the CO2, I'm thinking that I'm going to need to start adding it in some form to my tank. I'm assuming it's just a fermentation canister, which I'm no stranger to since I brew beer, but any details you could give me would be great. Thanks!

I used to use DIY CO2 in both tanks. The one I have been showing is the first one I removed it from and I just recently removed it from the other one. I don't inject any CO2 anymore.

As for how I did it, I simply used Active yeast in 2 liter bottles and plumbed them into me AC HOB. After getting algae in both tanks and realizing that I can't get my CO2 levels constant enough to prevent it I removed it and my plants have never grown faster. I dose the Excel as a carbon source and they simply flourish.

I used this:
Two 2 liter bottles with 2.5 cups of sugar and 1/4 tsp yeast.

When I took it off my first tank, I fed all 4 bottles in the other tank without much success at constant levels and I was fighting really bad outbreaks of BBA and Staghorn algae not to mention Green spot algae. Now both tanks are almost completely clear of algae.

It would have been hard for me to believe but constant levels of CO2, regardless of how high seems to be more important than high levels that fluctuate above and below 30ppm.

All I use for carbon now is Excel and I doubt I will switch back unless I get pressurized.